Department Summary:

Drake University Law School sustains a vibrant intellectual culture, and Des Moines has been recognized as one of the top ten Best Places to Live (US News) and Best Places for Business and Careers (Forbes), with a robust and growing economy (Wall Street Journal). The Law School features innovative and nationally recognized programs in agricultural law, constitutional law, legal writing, and practical training.

The Entrepreneurial and Transactional Clinic is a pillar of Drake’s business law program and has launched the careers of many alumni who now serve as innovators, leaders, and trusted advisors in practice. The Entrepreneurial and Transactional Clinic currently provides legal assistance to business startups, entrepreneurs, and community nonprofit organizations to help them establish successful for profit and nonprofit enterprises. The clinic targets entrepreneurs and innovators located in underserved Des Moines neighborhoods and rural Iowa communities who are not able to afford retained legal counsel. Candidates are welcome to reimagine the scope of the clinic to align with their teaching goals.

Job Summary:

Drake University Law School invites applicants from entry level and lateral candidates for a tenure-track, tenured, or long-term contract faculty position to direct the Entrepreneurial and Transactional Clinic beginning in the 2025-2026 academic year.

The Director’s duties include supervising and advising students in the direct representation of clients. Other responsibilities include the following: docket selection and clinic design; supervision and assessment; teaching a weekly skills development seminar for clinic students; engaging in community education; and managing external grants.

The position begins July 1, 2025, and will be a twelve-month appointment. Clinical faculty appointed on the tenure-track have a reduced scholarship requirement and the same rights and responsibilities of other full-time faculty, but with an emphasis on clinical teaching, professional competence and activity, research and creative work, and University and public service.

The search committee is particularly interested in candidates who, through their research, teaching, and/or service, will contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community.

Minimum Qualifications:

Candidates must possess a J.D. or comparable law degree and be admitted, or able to satisfy the requirements for admission, to the Iowa Bar. An exceptional academic record, distinguished record of clinical teaching or extensive practice-related experience, a demonstrated capacity for excellence in teaching, supervision and assessment, and service is preferred. At least three years of practice experience is required.

Have Questions?

Questions about this position can be directed to the search chair: Natalie Lynner, Chair, Faculty Appointments Committee, Drake University Law School, 2507 University Ave., Des Moines, IA 50311 or e-mail: natalie.lynner@drake.edu. 

Questions about the application process, working at Drake, spouse/partner support, reasonable accommodations, benefits, or additional information about Drake or Des Moines, Iowa may be directed to Drake Human Resources at jobs@drake.edu.

All job offers are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check, satisfactory reference checks, and proof of authorization to work in the United States.

Salary & Benefits

Salary is competitive with peer schools and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.

At Drake, we are proud to offer our employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a wide range of core benefits, perks, and discounts. If you are exploring a job with Drake University, we invite you to spend a little time with our digital benefits guide: Drake Benefits Guide (Plan Year 2023).

One of our very popular policies provides a tuition waiver for Drake employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents. Drake also participates in not one, but two tuition exchange programs available to dependent children. You can learn about both the tuition waiver policy and tuition exchange programs here: Tuition Benefits.